BRUSSELS, Belgium, Nov 4, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Former European Union chief 
Jean-Claude Juncker has warned the bloc not to "appear fearful" in its 
dealings with the United States whoever wins the presidential election.

The ex-head of the European Commission knows Donald Trump well after facing 
down the threat of a trade war between the two sides during the volatile 
former reality TV star's time in office.

"It's an election that Europeans don't have influence over -- but we will 
have to react with calm," Juncker, who helmed the EU's executive arm from 
2014-2019, told AFP.

"Europe should not appear fearful when it comes to dealing with the United 
States. Europe is a grown-up."

Having tangled with Trump during his time in charge, Juncker insisted the EU 
needed to combine diplomacy with strength if the Republican is elected again.

"We must, with Trump, demonstrate the necessary politeness when speaking to 
him, and we must demonstrate a firmness that leaves no room for ambiguities," 
said the former Luxembourg prime minister.

"We are not like mice in front of the cat Trump. We need a relationship of 
equals between the United States and Europe."

Juncker said that Trump "only listens to Europeans when they have clear ideas 
and demands formulated in an unambiguous way."

"What struck me was that he had no relationship, of heart or head, with 
Europe," he said.

"He always considered Europe, the European Union, as a war machine invented 
by the Europeans to reduce influence, particularly of America, in the world."

It is an open secret that many current European officials would prefer 
Democrat Kamala Harris -- who has strongly backed maintaining Washington's 
European alliances -- to triumph.

But Juncker cautioned the vice president would not give the EU an easy ride 
if she is elected.

"Kamala Harris, if elected president, will resolutely defend American points 
of view," Juncker said.

"It will be a friendly relationship, but not without conflicts."